Okoya’s son apologises as police arrest officer in viral naira spraying saga

Subomi Okoya, one of the sons of billionaire Razaq Okoya, has apologised for abusing the naira following the detention of a policeman attached to him.

In a viral video, Subomi and his brother Wahab were seen spraying naira notes while the detained officer held stacks of the currency, a violation of Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007.

Spraying or abusing the naira is an offence punishable by law. In 2024, popular socialite and cross-dresser Okuneye Idris, popularly known as Bobrisky, was imprisoned for a similar offence.

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) said on Friday that it had identified and detained the policeman captured in the video.

The NPF disclosed this on its official X handle, stating, “The policeman captured in the recent viral video shared by the sons of the Lagos businessman, Chief Okoya, where they were abusing the naira, has been identified and detained for disciplinary action.”

The NPF condemned the officer’s actions, calling them unethical and contrary to the values of the police force. “The involvement of the policeman has been condemned, as it’s unethical. We will always strive hard to uphold the sanctity, credibility, and core values of the police,” the statement read.